This is It... Or is It?

[Kamden]

OOC: Good luck, Ashlee! It's always fun writing against you.

While Lana del Rey’s Summertime Sadness may have been the bop of the summer at one point in entertainment history, it was not about to be the tune of Sasha Banks summer 2k17. No time for moping. No time to waste. No time to lose. The only L the BOSS of the EBWF women’s division planned to have by her name was in the word “Gold” or “Title”. As in the title of “Queen of the Ring 2017” or physically holding championship gold. But one would have to come before the other. Living in the present moment is the way to live, and Sasha was unfortunately all too familiar with getting ahead of herself. It ended with an L, like in failure... However, In the time the self-proclaimed Head BOSS In Charge made her bold entry into the EBWF, it seemed she had accomplished so much in so little time. In reality, she still had a lot more to achieve, especially compared to her opponent in the final match of the 2017 Queen of the Ring tournament: Trish Stratus.

This match-up was something Sasha looked forward to, and in a way, it began to feel like a tradition… At least once a year, Trish Stratus and Sasha Banks shared a ring. And once a year, fans could expect a one of a kind show from both women. Who knew what lead to this face off?

You don’t question these things… ‘cuz the moment you do you end up missing out.

Sasha was sitting back in her seat comfortably. Across from her was Sam Roberts, who was interviewing her on his Wrestling Podcast, to discuss the upcoming PPV bout. After getting through the podcast intro, the interview is already a couple of minutes in.

Sam Roberts: Sasha, thanks for coming on the show. We’re recording this in Detroit, where this Sunday you’ll go one on one with Trish Stratus in the Queen of the Ring final. You recently returned to the EBWF after a long absence; how does it feel to be back?

Sasha Banks: It’s always good to be back, Sam. There’s no place I’d rather be than a wrestling ring.

Sam Roberts: I’m going to put you on the spot right now- why did you leave EBWF last year?

Sasha Banks: I didn’t really have a choice at that time. Being in the ring started to take its toll on me- to the point if I didn’t give myself a chance to recover, it could have really messed me up. The worst of it was these back spasms. Getting out of bed was a literal work out. Ice baths every single day just didn’t cut it, acupuncture didn’t help. Muscle relaxers were a last resort, and those didn’t help either. I hate being on meds anyway. Between that, the doctors appointments and PT and trying to get cleared when I wasn’t ready, I got burnt out by all that. So I took a step back and sat it out for a minute. Being on the sideline it felt like it was ages, but now I’m back, I’m 100 percent, and feeling like a boss again!

Sam Roberts: Well we’re all glad to see you back, myself included.

Sasha Banks: Thank you!

Sam Roberts: You returned just before the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments started. Was that the reason you came back? You weren’t happy just being a Boss, you wanted to be a Queen too?

Sasha Banks: Queen B isn’t just gonna be for Beyonce anymore… It’s gonna be for me too. The B is for Boss, though. It’s funny how my timing was. I didn’t plan coming back with the tournaments in mind. I just wanted to get back in ASAP. It was the biggest coincidence it happened in time for King of the Ring.

Sam Roberts: Well it seems like it was a happy coincidence since you’ve made it all the way to the final. And your opponent on Sunday is a superstar you have a lot of history with, Trish Stratus.

Sasha Banks: And you can bet we’ll make history, too. I love that I get to work with Trish again. Like you said, we’ve done a lot together and it’s always done big. I mean, you look at the two of us and you know you’re gonna get nothing short of an amazing show. That’s just who we are. I’ve been thinking on it for a while, since the match was set. There’s this constant one-up battle between us and I think that’s what’s always made for something great.

Sam Roberts: Would you say Trish is the toughest opponent you’ve faced in your career to date?

Sasha Banks: Oh yeah. Like, it’s almost frustrating. But it goes to show how well she knows the ropes. That is how I want be in my career. When I first came up in the EBWF, I was the chick who decided to run up in the yard and stomp all in the flower bed. And Trish was the first one to actually put me in place in the ring for it. I remember the first time it happened was a couple of years ago at Fanniversary in 2015. I was all fresh with a slammy and was working on that record breaking title reign, and was sooo close to beating her out. And then I was beat by Trish Stratus instead. She won the title and then next she was Female Wrestler of the Year, which I had before her. So I learned real quick I had to change my game up if I wanted to even have a chance against her.

Sam Roberts: You’ve been a professional wrestler for 7 years now… Trish has been wrestling for 17. Was Trish one of the women you looked up to when you were training to be a wrestler?

Sasha Banks: She was for sure. I had, and have, a lot of people I look up to in wrestling. Everyone already knows about Trish vs. Lita. It was iconic. I love Jacqueline. She finally earned her spot in the Hall of Fame! Her presence in the ring was second to none. My biggest influence though is Eddie Guerrero. His swagger… I can’t even explain it. I’ve always seen myself as an underdog, and Eddie Guerrero did so much in his career that I don’t think a lot of people expected him to. Kind of like me. He had fun with it! I don’t think I ever saw him on tv not smiling at least once when he was in the ring. I feel like everything I saw him do is what I want to do, or already do, in that ring. One day I’m doing a frog splash just for him. With the shimmy and everything.

Sam Roberts: Eddie is one of the all-time greats, and I know how much you admire him. I’m sure we’d all love to see you do a frog splash! Are there any other moves you’d like to hit? You already have an impressive range of moves if I do say so myself...

Sasha Banks: I would love to hit a picture perfect northern lights suplex… But since everyone is bigger than me it’s not gonna happen. Between you and me I’d love to add more submissions into my moveset! But if I had to pick just one it’d be the kimura lock. So no one can point their finger at me, or try to slap me, or take my Takis.

Sasha laughed and smiled.

Sasha Banks: I really love Takis…

Sam Roberts: Careful, if you say Takis one more time, people will think they’re sponsoring this podcast!

Sasha Banks: They could sponsor me instead. Life goals!

Sam Roberts: Okay, enough about Takis-- back to wrestling. Do you have to change your style much when wrestling someone like Trish? She’s one of the more technical female wrestlers in my opinion. Not that you’re not a technical wrestler of course-- I just feel like your style is more mat based than Trish’s.

Sasha Banks: Well technical and mat are kind of the same thing so… We are similar in that way. But I’m way more of a show-off. Like, I love those risky moves. Dives, some crazy tosses, and really using the ring to help implement some of my moves. For someone like Trish I’m glad I have a technical background though. If I didn’t it wouldn’t be as easy to move around the ring to do what I need to do. I feel weird speaking about technical styles without mentioning Natalya… That’s where Natalya schools everyone.

Sam Roberts: Well she was trained in the Hart Family Dungeon-- anyone that’s related to Bret “The Hitman” Hart is bound to be a strong technical wrestler!

Sasha Banks: Whoooah, Natty disowned them… You can’t put her name and Hart in the same sentence now. You’ll probably get a phone call real soon.

Sam Roberts: Her surname’s still Neidhart isn’t it? Are we supposed to call her Natalya Ikeda now or is it just Natalya-- like Sting?

Sasha Banks: Honestly I don’t know. I’m sure just Natalya works. Sometimes I call her Nat because her new attitude makes me want to slap he r with a fly swatter. Give it a few weeks and it’ll happen live.

Sam Roberts: When you say a few weeks, are you talking Summerslam?

Sasha Banks: You bet.

Sam Roberts: Well I’m sure Sasha Banks versus Natalya would be an incredible match, but you have to worry about your match against Trish first.

Sasha Banks: Worried isn’t the word. I’m motivated. I’m ready. It’s way too exciting to be back in the same place again I was last year.

Sam Roberts: It sounds like you’re feeling pretty confident. It must be strange though, that Trish is the one standing in your way again.

Sasha Banks: I like that it’s Trish and I again. Like we talked about earlier, it just adds to the history we already have together. Right now I don’t see anyone else who could fit in either of our spots in this finals match. They say history likes to repeat itself so if that’s true, then we already know how this ends. She's not in my way. I'm pushing past her.

Sam Roberts: Solid statement right there from Sasha Banks. You can watch her and Trish Stratus live in the Queen of the Ring final on Sunday, June 25th in what’s sure to be one hell of a show. Thank you for taking time to chat with me, Sasha. I’m Sam Roberts and thanks for tuning in.
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BET After Party, a little past midnight, June 26th, 2017

The cameras were flashing backstage as the one and only DJ Khaled walked easily through the sea of people clamoring for pictures, hugs, and interviews at the 2017 BET Awards. Several people stopped what they were doing to let out a heartwarming sound, whether it be a loud exclamation or a gentle “Awww” at Asahd, who was propped up comfortably in his father’s arm with his own gold tablet, preoccupied with whatever was on the screen. In the other hand, Khaled had a microphone and held it up to start speaking. He came to a stop as he reached his destination.

DJ Khaled: What’s goin’ on everybody? It’s crazy back here. We just wrapped up the BET Awards. I had to find my people and they have now been found. Steph Curry, Serena Williams. How are you? Congratulations. You played it well.

A play on one of his several catch phrases, “Congratulations, you played yourself”, DJ Khaled extended his fist to share a bump with the 2017 Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year. Khaled was in a flashy velvet track suit, in gold, which matched Asahd’s. It was a change from his matching outfit with Gucci Mane earlier. Steph was in a simple and comfortable baby blue button up with dark jeans and white sneakers, while Serena wore a flowy gold maternity style dress with her hair down freely in wavy locks.

DJ Khaled: May I say you are absolutely GLOWING, Serena. Not just from that gold award.

Serena Williams: Thank you. I feel like I’m about to pop any day now.

DJ Khaled: Steph my man, loving that smile. Very much deserved.

Steph Curry: Thanks man. It’s an honor.

DJ Khaled: Now the reason I came and found you is we need to have a discussion. It’s about another friend of mine. You’ve maybe heard of her: Sasha Banks.

Both Steph and Serena nodded.

Serena Williams: Of course we have. She’s a boss.

Steph Curry: One of a kind.

Asahd: Goo.

DJ Khaled: I agree, with all of you. She was out earlier this week with the BET crew doing some promotional stuff for the awards. And at some point in time tonight during the show, she had a match of her own. I don’t know the results yet. No spoilers. I watch everything from EBWF in full. I know you two have been busy here and haven’t had a chance to catch up on any of that. I want to get bets from the top sports figures BET has seen this past year. Who is the 2017 EBWF Queen of the Ring? Is it Sasha Banks, or her opponent, Trish Stratus?

Khaled held out the microphone towards Steph and Serena. Steph gestured for Serena to take the first pick.

Serena Williams: You know, I’ve gotta say Sasha has this one. I’ve seen her in that ring. I had a chance to talk with her a little bit at one of the events this week. I didn’t like her when she first started out in EBWF because she was too full of herself. But she became humbled really quickly and she has grown up in a short time. I remember the first time I saw her speak on TV. It made me shake my head. I was like, “Who is this girl? Who does she think she is just coming in here like that?” But then I saw her fight and had to give her props. It reminded me of me when I first went big. The fire in that one is hot. Then she went on to become a champion and was really making a name for herself.

Steph Curry: Yeah, I definitely remember catching some clips of Sasha and thinking the same thing.

DJ Khaled: What do you have to say about Sasha, Steph?

Steph Curry: Her personality is something else. It definitely gets some points from me. But like Serena was saying, it’s the fact she isn’t always humble and that is gonna get her eventually. It already did once, right?

DJ Khaled: If you’re talking about when she lost her title, then I would have to say yes.

Steph Curry: That’s why my bet is on Trish Stratus having won the whole thing. She’s earned her respect, man. In my opinion I don’t see Trish Stratus as a typical show off. The one who flashes everything they’ve got and throws it in everybody's face all the time. When you’re that good, you don’t need to. Just the fact she’s even in this match with Sasha says enough. She’s still one of the best. Trish has done everything there is to do in her wrestling career and has nothing left to prove. It’s just stacking up those rings, or I guess, those belts, and adding to her name.

Serena Williams: No no no, see, I think that’s where Trish is the wrong choice. Yeah, sure she’s done everything, but when you’re at that level of your career, you get complacent. Sasha is young, passionate, and determined. Of course she still has a lot to do. She’s what, only two, maybe three years in with the EBWF? She started off hot and now she’s back and needs to keep going until the day she retires.

DJ Khaled: Banks is back. That’s right. But Trish is still in the game. If each of you could share any special Keys for success to your respective picks for Queen, what would those be?

Steph Curry: There isn’t much I could say to Trish. She probably knows it all already. The one piece of advice I would have to say is watch out for the fresh faces. We know how to takeover. I’m speaking from experience. I thank God every day for the opportunities I get. I hope you make-- or made, the best of your match tonight no matter the outcome.

DJ Khaled: Great keys coming from Steph Curry. Serena, please share.

Serena Williams: Sasha girl, I’m sure if you won tonight we’ll be hearing all about it for the next few days. Just don’t let the victories get to your head. There’s always room for improvement. I’m sure you know what The Rock always says. “Stay humble and stay hungry”.

DJ Khaled: MAJOR KEY ALERT!

Asahd started babbling excitedly, very loudly. The people surrounding him gave a small cheer of approval. Serena and Steph smiled.

DJ Khaled: What’s that Asahd? You said you pulled up the match results? Come, share them with your friends. But don’t let me see it- I don’t want spoilers.

Khaled turned so Asahd was facing Serena and Steph. Both athletes walked in closer to take a look at the tablet screen. Within seconds both had surprised expressions on their face. Steph was holding a fist up to his mouth and Serena’s eyebrows piqued.

Steph Curry: Dawg, all these outcomes are wild!

Serena Williams: Wow, I was not expecting some of that.

Asahd dropped the tablet in what looked like a fit of anger. He started rubbing vigorously at his eyes and hid his face in his father’s chest.

DJ Khaled: Looks like someone’s bothered. I wonder what happened tonight. Must have been a good one if Asahd’s reacting like this.

Khaled started to pat his protege on the back and rocking him gently with his other hand. Off-mic we could hear him thanking Steph and Serena. Steph gave Asahd a pat on the back, and Serena waved.

Serena Williams: I hope my baby is as easy as Asahd.

Steph Curry: I need to schedule a play date with his and mines, man. That’d be legendary.

At that moment, both sports people's spouses approached the two, family in tow and DJ Khaled slipped away into the bustling throng of fellow celebrities.
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The Day It All Goes Down, June 25th, 2017

The familiar and friendly voice of Renee Young greeted the EBWF Universe on television and computer screens alike. She was inside the Joe Louis arena, setting the scene for the show.

Renee Young: We’re only a few moments away from kicking off King of the Ring. Fans have already started lining up outside the arena in what’s anticipated to be an historic event. Record attendance, a stacked card, and the potential for unmatched accomplishments in some of our superstars are sure to set the bar high for what’s to come over the next few months. One of the many people who have the opportunity to reach new heights in their career was spoken with earlier today by our own Corey Graves. Sasha Banks lays it out for us in an exclusive interview.

The screen transitioned to Corey Graves looking into the camera via the KOTR PPV Logo. He nodded and began speaking.

Corey Graves: Tonight, plenty is at stake for two women who have consistently proven they are the top of their division, regardless of time spent in or out of it. Sasha Banks and Trish Stratus sell no one short of their talent and capabilities. It’s why we find ourselves, again, in a match up that seems to make a yearly appearance at one point or another between these two women. A win for either will be an accomplishment for the history books in this company. Only two other women in the EBWF has been Queen of the Ring twice in their career, Torrie Wilson and Brie Bella. For Brie, those two wins happened consecutively… Brie Bella did this in 2014 and 2015. Sasha Banks followed up with a tournament win in 2016, defeating Trish Stratus. If Banks were to become the 2017 Queen of the Ring, this would be her second consecutive win. If Trish Stratus were to become the 2017 Queen of the Ring, this would be her second Queen of the Ring win in her career. Regardless of the outcome, history will be made. Both Banks and Stratus have something to gain here.

The camera panned out to allow both Sasha and Corey to stand together in the frame. The BOSS stood confidently as usual next to Graves.

Corey Graves: Sasha, there has to be a lot going on in your head. What’s happening in the mind of the BOSS? Give us a little insight.

Sasha Banks: You already said it, boo. A lot’s at stake and you can bet I will stop at nothing to
Make sure I get what I came here for. To be a two-time, consecutive Queen of the ring winner. Let’s be real, if I hadn’t missed out on my first tournament by a few days when I came into EBWF, you’d be saying how I could be a three-time winner.

Corey Graves: At this point, strictly in terms of one-on-one match-ups, you and Stratus are even. She’s got one win over you where she defeated you for the women’s title, and you more recently have a victory over her when you defeated her in last years tournament. A few days ago on Sam Roberts Wrestling podcast you mentioned how it’s been a one-up contest between you two. Consider this match a tie breaker-- will tonight permanently settle things between you and your opponent?

Sasha Banks: That’s not up to me. You know I’m always up for a battle. I hope this keeps going until we both retire. But considering the fact when I win tonight this’ll be a replay for her all over, just like last year, can Trish even live with it? Like, I wonder if she’s gonna think this is it. If she doesn’t win tonight then is it over?

Corey Graves: So you feel this match could be an end for Stratus if it doesn’t favor her.

Corey wore a stern look on his face as he said this. Sasha didn’t miss a beat.

Sasha Banks: There’s something you didn’t talk about either that’s on the line tonight, Corey. It’s Trish’s career. Not like a stipulation, but just symbolically. I did this to Brie Bella in the flop of the century, but she wasn’t anything special. This is Trish Stratus. I’ve come a long way in my career and compared to her, I still have a lot left to do. So if that means taking Trish Stratus out to do that, then you can bet I’ll take that risk. She has way more to lose than she does to gain. Me? I’ve got too much ahead of me and that includes staying Queen of the Ring and becoming a three-time women’s champion, Corey. This will be more than just a win for me. It’s continuing to set up my legacy. It’s continuing to show you don’t have to fit this mold of pretty blonde white girl to make it to the top. It’s me continuing to prove and say I can always do better. The day Sasha Banks stops chasing the big fish is the day Sasha Banks stop growing.

Corey Graves: You speak as if you’ve already won it all. Do you believe getting ahead of yourself is going to do you any good given the nature of this match?

Sasha Banks: If you look in the mirror every morning when you wake up and tell yourself “You’ve got this”, if you play out that winning scene in your mind every night before you put your head to the pillow, if you speak your version of the truth, it’s eventually gonna become reality. Whether it happens or not all comes down on me throwing down in that ring and leaving it all there. I’m taking Trish Stratus all the way to the bank, robbing her blind, and cashing out on the win of a lifetime. It’s gold from here on out, Corey. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get ready.

Sasha made to walk off, but held back at another question from Corey.

Corey Graves: Right now? Your match isn't for at least another 2 hours, Sasha.

Sasha Banks: Tuh. So?

The BOSS looked at Corey sideways, confused by the question. Corey nodded in understanding in her direction and let his hand go back to his side. Banks turned around to retreat back to the locker rooms. Graves came back to the camera as it focused on him.

Corey Graves: Looks like that's it from The BOSS tonight, everyone. Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to catch Sasha Banks and Trish Stratus in the Queen of the Ring Final live tonight.
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Moments Before the Match!

A seamless edit of all the matches finishes from the 2017 Queen of the Ring tournament played from start to finish on the tron for the audience, the video package ending with the match graphic for Sasha Banks and Trish Stratus.

Joey Styles: This is it folks. We’re about to witness something huge.

Corey Graves: Huge doesn’t even begin to cut it, Joey. This will be monumental.

Joey Styles: Hold that thought, Corey. It looks like someone has a few last words before things truly get started.

Live feed from the green area backstage was being displayed on the two screens on stage. Sasha Banks had a pair of white shutter shades pushed to the top of her head that complemented her black and red ring attire for the night. Her usual riveted leather blazer was in black as well. She looked straight ahead into the camera, making it feel like she spoke to every single person in the arena individually, when actually, the message was for one person and one person only.

Sasha Banks: Trish Stratus, tonight we push the bar up even higher on both our careers. Just know you can bet I’ll push mine past yours. I don’t intend on letting this match slip me. You may think you’ve got me pinned down, but just when you actually think you’ve got your girl figured out…

Sasha held up her hand and snapped her finger.

Sasha Banks: I’ma prove you wrong, boo. I’ve come to respect who you are in this business, but don’t think just ‘cuz that’s the case I’ll hold back. In a few minutes both of us are gonna walk out to that ring, and only one of us is gonna come to the back a winner. And yes, that’s gonna be me, Trish. These other girls you like to talk down on are nothing like me. For you to think I’m like every other chick that’s crossed your path is a big mistake and I will show you why. All you people who’ve been in the game long think the same! Thinking that you still deserve any damn thing just because of what you’ve done. You’ve earned your keep. But now I’m earning mines, boo boo. I break my back and bleed blood and sweat as much as you do and ever will because a BOSS is never finished with her work. A BOSS like me can’t compare to anyone else but themselves, because that’s their biggest critic.

Banks shifted her weight from one foot to the other eagerly, barely able to keep still.

Sasha Banks: It's these type of moments I LIVE for. This is just one more thing people can say about me. This is the next thing people will be talking about in the women's division until Summerslam. This is the one time where in the end I can actually say without a doubt I'm BETTER. The results will speak for themselves.

Banks stopped her movement for one last bit.

Sasha Banks: Say what you want to about me Trish. You’re wrong. You’re never gonna get what it means to be me and roll the way I roll. After tonight I think you’re finally gonna understand what being a BOSS really is all about. You’ll feel it, you’ll experience it, and then you’ll wish it never even happened.

The feed immediately cut out as the lights in the arena dimmed and Christy Hemme entered the ring to make official match announcements...